Expert 2025-26 College Football Bowl and Playoff Betting Picks
The 2025-26 college football bowl season is shaping up to be a wild ride. Fans and bettors are buzzing as we get closer to the final stretch, especially with the College Football Playoff semifinals looming.
Let’s take a look at the must-see games, some betting angles, and a few expert predictions that could shake up how this season ends. There’s a lot to unpack, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited about what’s coming up.
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College Football Bowl Schedule and Key Matchups
Bowl season hits its peak on Friday, Jan. 2. There are four bowl games that day, each with its own flavor and drama.
No. 17 Arizona meets SMU in the Holiday Bowl. Texas State and Rice face off in the Armed Forces Bowl. Navy battles Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. And Mississippi State takes on Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Every one of these games has its own storylines and betting angles. If you’re a fan, this is a day you probably want to block off on your calendar.
Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU
The Holiday Bowl features No. 17 Arizona Wildcats, the last ranked team to play this season, against SMU. Arizona’s just a slight favorite at -1.5.
Both teams seem hungry to end their seasons on a high note, so this one could get tense.
Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice
Texas State is a big favorite over Rice, sitting at -17.5. For Texas State, it’s a chance to flex a bit and maybe give bettors something to smile about with that wide point spread.
Navy is favored by -7.5 over Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. Cincinnati’s had a rough go lately, losing key players to opt-outs and transfers—quarterback Brendan Sorsby being the most notable.
Navy, on the other hand, rolls in with a full roster and a three-game win streak. Bettors are keeping a close eye on this one.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Mississippi State is a -3 favorite against Wake Forest. It’s expected to be a pretty tight contest, and both teams would love to finish with a statement win.
College Football Playoff Semifinals
The Playoff semifinals are finally set. Two games will decide who gets a shot at the national title.
On Thursday, Jan. 8, Miami takes on Ole Miss. The next day, it’s Oregon versus Indiana.
Fiesta Bowl: Miami vs. Ole Miss
Miami’s a slight favorite at -2.5 going into the Fiesta Bowl against Ole Miss. Both teams are loaded with talent and can light up the scoreboard, so this one could be a shootout.
Peach Bowl: Oregon vs. Indiana
Indiana is favored by -3.5 over Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Both squads have had strong seasons, and this game could go down to the wire with championship hopes on the line.
Expert Betting Guide and Predictions
If you’re thinking about making a wager, Bruce Marshall—one of Vegas’s most respected handicappers—has some thoughts worth considering. He’s known for his sharp analysis and has used his Tech Corner technique to break down every matchup.
Marshall’s top pick? He’s backing Navy (-7.5) over Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. With Cincinnati’s depleted roster and Navy’s momentum, this seems like a pretty solid play.
Marshall hasn’t stopped there. He’s got deep dives and predictions for every bowl and CFP game. If you want to dig into his full breakdowns, check out SportsLine for the details.
Promotions and Offers for Bettors
New to betting? There are a few promos floating around that are worth a look. Use promo code CBSSPORTS2 on Underdog, and you’ll get $75 in site credits when you play $5 (in select states, of course).
DraftKings is also offering $200 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Not a bad way to get started, honestly.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 college football bowl season is shaping up to be a wild ride. Fans can expect some truly thrilling action, especially with those Playoff semifinals looming.
Bruce Marshall’s expert insights are in the mix, and there are some decent promos out there for new bettors. If you want to make the most of these final games, it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest info and trends.
For more detailed analysis and expert picks, check out the full article on CBS Sports.
